After 27 years of providing entertainment for visitors to the Santa Monica Pier, the Sea Dragon ride has been dismantled and removed to make way for a brand new version. The original Sea Dragon opened in 1996 and was a beloved part of Pacific Park's offerings, providing riders with a thrilling, swinging ship experience that felt like being caught in turbulent waters. The ride featured two lifelike dragon heads and gave passengers a series of 40-foot drops and launches.

Over the years, the Sea Dragon became an iconic part of the Santa Monica Pier experience, appearing in Hollywood films like "Iron Man" and "Her" and drawing the attention of the music industry and numerous celebrities. To celebrate the retirement of the original ride, Pacific Park will throw a retirement party in the upper Pier parking lot from February 27 to March 8, inviting visitors to share their memories of the Sea Dragon.

On March 9 at 8:30 a.m., Pacific Park will host a special send-off for the original Sea Dragon, complete with high-flying fun. At that time, the all-new Sea Dragon will also make its debut, offering visitors a fresh take on this beloved ride. The new version promises to deliver the same thrilling experience as the original, with a 180-degree swinging arc, lifelike dragon heads, and plenty of drops and launches.

The Sea Dragon may be retiring, but its legacy will live on in the hearts of the countless visitors who rode it over the years. As Nathan Smithson, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Pacific Park, notes, "The Sea Dragon is an iconic piece of the amusement park ride experience for everyone including the film and music industries and numerous celebrities." And while it's always sad to say goodbye to an old friend, the arrival of the new Sea Dragon promises to be an exciting addition to the Santa Monica Pier's already impressive lineup of attractions.

A Tribute to the Sea Dragon

High above the sea, the Dragon flew
With lifelike heads and thrills anew
For twenty-seven years, it soared with glee
And brought joy to all who dared to see

With drops and launches, it took us high
And rocked us gently, through the sky
From Hollywood to music scene
The Dragon was a star machine

Now, its time has come to say goodbye
But not without a fond goodbye
For memories made and laughter shared
Will always be a part of what we bared

Pacific Park now stands alone
Without the Dragon, it's not quite home
But with a new one soon to come
We'll find our thrill and fly once more

So thank you, Sea Dragon, for the ride
And for the joy you brought inside
We'll never forget your swinging ways
And the memories that will always stay.